The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, Claims and Petition, Senator Augustine Chea, has taken issues with members of House of Representatives for initiating probe into comments made by Representative Yekeh Konneh on the Liberia-Guinea border dispute.
By Obediah Johnson
According to Senator Chea, who is representing the people of Sinoe county in the 55th National Legislature, members of the House are turning their backs on the real enemy and issues affecting Liberians while pursuing a “reckless talker”.
His assertions were contained in a statement posted on his official social media page recently.
He emphasized that at a moment when the country is grappling with a serious and unresolved border dispute with Guinea, lawmakers political focus appears to be drifting in the wrong direction.
Senator Chea maintained that the occupation of Liberia’s land by Guinean soldiers who crossed the Makona River, long held as the border between Liberia and Guinea, presents a direct challenge to the country’s sovereignty — one that should command urgent, national attention.
Instead, he added that, much of the spotlight has shifted to Rep. Yekeh Kolubah, following his controversial public claim that he possesses evidence that the disputed land belongs to Guinea.
Senator Chea stated that Rep. Kolubah’s remarks were undeniably “irresponsible and reckless.”
He observed that at a time of heightened tension, such statements, especially from a sitting lawmaker, risk undermining the country’s diplomatic position and creating unnecessary confusion about its official stance.
He noted that public criticism, was therefore justified, and the concern from the House of Representatives is understandable.
However, Senator Chea pointed out that, the ongoing investigation by the House against Rep. Kolubah raises a more troubling question about proportionality and priority.
“By launching an investigation with the possibility of expelling him, the House risks turning a case of irresponsible and reckless speech into a consuming political spectacle.”
He maintained though Rep. Kolubah’s comments were ill-advised and reckless, these comments do not change the facts on the ground.
Senator Chea added that these comments do not redraw borders, nor do they legitimize Guinea’s claims in any formal sense.
He emphasized that in modern international practice, consistent administration and control of territory carry significant weight and as such, Liberia’s historical presence on the land strengthens its claim, not just legally, but politically.
“The real and pressing issue remains the continued presence of Guinean troops on the territory of Liberia. Focusing heavily on punishing Kolubah creates the impression of a government preoccupied with internal discipline while an external threat persists.”
Senator Chea noted that at a time when national unity and strategic clarity are essential, this inward turn of probing Rep. Kolubah risks sending the wrong message.
He stressed that a more measured approach, would better serve the country, as holding Representative Kolubah accountable does not require the most extreme penalty available under the House’s Rules.
He said a formal censure would address the irresponsibility without overshadowing the broader national concern.
Senator Chea observed that this episode is less about one lawmaker’s loose talk and more about the direction of national attention.
According to him, Liberia is confronted with a tangible test of its territorial integrity which challenge demands focus, coordination, and resolve, not distraction.
He said though discipline has its place, priorities matter more in moment like this.
The observation from Senator Chea may not go down well with his colleagues at the House of Representatives.
Many Representatives could view his comments as mending in the workings of the House of Representatives.
It can be recalled that the Plenary of the House of Representatives recently mandated its Committee on Rules, Order and Administration to launch a probe into recent public statements made by Rep. Kolubah suggesting that disputed land between Liberia and Guinea belongs to Guinea.
The claim made by Rep. Kolubah’s comments runs contrary to the position made by the Government of Liberia(GoL) on the matter.
The House launched an investigation into the matter following two separate complaints filed by Representative Sumo Mulbah and the Inspector General of the Liberia National Police (LNP) Gregory Coleman.
They accused Rep. Kolubah of alleged gross breach of duty, misconduct in office and violation of the oath of office.
They also alarmed that the lawmaker’s comments threaten national security and could incite instability in border communities and tensions between Liberia and Guinea.
The House of Representatives could take punitive actions against Rep. Kolubah for allegedly violating Article 76 of the 1986 Liberian constitution, in keeping with Articles 38.
But others believe that any punitive actions could be a political witch hunt against Rep. Kolubah who fell out with the ruling Unity Party(UP) led-Government he helped bring to power during the 2023 elections.
